PMDC permits 19 medical and dental colleges to raise annual fees up to Rs2.1 million

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has granted approval to 19 medical and dental colleges to increase their annual fees, allowing them to charge up to Rs2.1 million per year. Meanwhile, applications from 20 other institutions have been deferred due to incomplete documentation and failure to meet required criteria.

Last year, the PMDC had set the maximum annual fee for medical and dental colleges at Rs1.8 million, with a provision for a five percent annual increase. For the current academic year, this cap was raised to Rs1.89 million, again with a five percent increment. Subsequently, it was decided that future fee increases would take into account the Consumer Price Index (CPI) each year.

Despite these guidelines, colleges were permitted to submit applications with justifications for further fee increases beyond the standard cap. As a result, the PMDC reviewed these applications and approved higher fees for 19 institutions. However, 20 colleges' requests were not approved at this time due to gaps in their submitted documentation.

The Pakistan Association of Private Medical and Dental Institutions (PAMI), a representative body for private colleges, has been involved in discussions regarding the fee structure. Parents have also sought greater clarity on the fee policies and the process for determining annual increases.

The PMDC's decision comes amid ongoing concerns from students and parents about the affordability and transparency of medical and dental education in Pakistan. The council has indicated that it will continue to monitor fee structures and ensure that institutions comply with regulatory requirements.